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The Pot Thief Mysteries Volume One: The Pot Thief Who Studied Pythagoras, The Pot Thief Who Studied Ptolemy, and The Pot Thief Who Studied Einstein
An Albuquerque pottery dealer looking for artifacts finds murder and intrigue in this “smartly funny” series (Anne Hillerman, author of Spider Woman’s Daughter).
A dealer in ancient Native American pottery, Hubert Schuze has spent years searching the public lands of New Mexico for artwork that would otherwise remain buried. According to the US government, he’s a thief, but Hubie knows the real crime would be to allow age-old traditions to die. He honors prehistoric craftspeople by resurrecting their handiwork, and nothing—not even foul play—will stop him in these three installments of the Lefty Award–winning mystery series.
The Pot Thief Who Studied Pythagoras: Hubie accepts a $25,000 offer to lift a rare pot from a local museum but changes his mind when he discovers how tightly the exhibit is being guarded. When the pot goes missing anyway, Hubie’s sent on the hunt for the real thief—and on the run from a killer.
The Pot Thief Who Studied Hubie goes on a mission to recover stolen relics from a high-rise apartment building. Unfortunately, his perfect plan falls apart when he’s arrested for murder. That’s what happens when you get caught with blood on your hands and a dead body in the room. Now, Hubie must stay one step ahead of the law as he pursues a beautiful mystery woman in this fast-paced thriller that “hook[s] the reader from the get-go” (Albuquerque Journal).
The Pot Thief Who Studied Einstein: After Hubie appraises a collection of Anasazi pots for an eccentric, reclusive collector, his $2,500 payment disappears. He suspects the man ripped him off, but soon stumbles into a bigger crime when the collector is murdered. Determined not to end up in handcuffs, Hubie sets out to solve the mystery—and finds himself pulled deeper and deeper into the dead man’s shadowy, dangerous life.
A dealer in ancient Native American pottery, Hubert Schuze has spent years searching the public lands of New Mexico for artwork that would otherwise remain buried. According to the US government, he’s a thief, but Hubie knows the real crime would be to allow age-old traditions to die. He honors prehistoric craftspeople by resurrecting their handiwork, and nothing—not even foul play—will stop him in these three installments of the Lefty Award–winning mystery series.
The Pot Thief Who Studied Pythagoras: Hubie accepts a $25,000 offer to lift a rare pot from a local museum but changes his mind when he discovers how tightly the exhibit is being guarded. When the pot goes missing anyway, Hubie’s sent on the hunt for the real thief—and on the run from a killer.
The Pot Thief Who Studied Hubie goes on a mission to recover stolen relics from a high-rise apartment building. Unfortunately, his perfect plan falls apart when he’s arrested for murder. That’s what happens when you get caught with blood on your hands and a dead body in the room. Now, Hubie must stay one step ahead of the law as he pursues a beautiful mystery woman in this fast-paced thriller that “hook[s] the reader from the get-go” (Albuquerque Journal).
The Pot Thief Who Studied Einstein: After Hubie appraises a collection of Anasazi pots for an eccentric, reclusive collector, his $2,500 payment disappears. He suspects the man ripped him off, but soon stumbles into a bigger crime when the collector is murdered. Determined not to end up in handcuffs, Hubie sets out to solve the mystery—and finds himself pulled deeper and deeper into the dead man’s shadowy, dangerous life.
1161 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 16, 2017
239 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
J. Michael Orenduff
19 books122 followersMike Orenduff grew up in a house so close to the Rio Grand that he could frisbee a tortilla into Mexico. Despite such antics, he ended up in higher education, teaching at thirteen colleges in eight states and three countries. He was also an academic dean three times, an academic vice-president twice, a president four times, and a statewide chancellor once. His supporters say he welcomes new challenges. His critics say he cant hold a job. Newt Gingrich, in his book, To Renew America, called Orenduff A hero to the American People for his pioneering work in distance education.
After taking early retirement form higher education, Mike embarked on a new career as a fiction writer. His play, The Christmas Visitor, has won numerous awards. His murder mystery series has also received many accolades. The first in the series, The Pot Thief Who Studied Pythagoras, won the Dark Oak Mystery Contest and the Kindle version won the 2010 EPIC Award as the eBook of the Year in the Mystery/Suspense Category. The second book in the series, The Pot Thief Who Studied Ptolemy, was recently selected as the Fiction Book of the Year by the Public Safety Writers Association. Although the Pot Thief books are humorous murder mysteries, they also contain serious treatments of the issue of race and ethnicity.
Mike and Lai, his high school sweetheart, wife of forty-five years and noted art historian, have two grown children. Jay is a dean at Columbia University in New York, and Claire teaches art history at Georgia College and more importantly is the mother of their grandson, Bram.
After taking early retirement form higher education, Mike embarked on a new career as a fiction writer. His play, The Christmas Visitor, has won numerous awards. His murder mystery series has also received many accolades. The first in the series, The Pot Thief Who Studied Pythagoras, won the Dark Oak Mystery Contest and the Kindle version won the 2010 EPIC Award as the eBook of the Year in the Mystery/Suspense Category. The second book in the series, The Pot Thief Who Studied Ptolemy, was recently selected as the Fiction Book of the Year by the Public Safety Writers Association. Although the Pot Thief books are humorous murder mysteries, they also contain serious treatments of the issue of race and ethnicity.
Mike and Lai, his high school sweetheart, wife of forty-five years and noted art historian, have two grown children. Jay is a dean at Columbia University in New York, and Claire teaches art history at Georgia College and more importantly is the mother of their grandson, Bram.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 5, 2017
Review: THE POT THIEF MYSTERIES Volume 1
By J. Michael Orenduff
I really enjoy this series. There's humor, spirit, mystery, and great ongoing characters. I also learn a lot about New Mexico history, ancient potters and tribes, archaeology and anthropology, academe, and an entertained throughout.
Review: THE POT THIEF WHO STUDIED PYTHAGORAS
Forty-something Hubert Schuze is a finder and purveyor of pots. Some consider him a "pot thief" for his ability to locate and excavate ancient pots on public lands (usually National Parks, in his home state, New Mexico). Hubert own an adobe building in Albuquerque' s historic Old Town, which includes his shop, workshop, and living quarters. In this first of the series, he becomes inextricably entangled with murder and conspiracy to museum theft. Together with best friend Susannah, a twenty-eight year old permanent university student and waitress, he cleverly moves events to an unexpected and enlightening denouement. Along the way are intrigue, suspense, excitement, and a strong exposure to classical Greek philosopher.
Review: THE POT THIEF WHO STUDIED PTOLEMY
THE POT THIEF Series by J. Michael Orenduff is delightful: warm-hearted, full-characterized, humorous mystery--mystery with heart. Protagonist Hubert Schuze (pronounced "shoes") is The Feckless Hero indeed--but he's a sweet guy with a heart of integrity, and a spiritual nature exemplified in his connection to ancient potters, and to the mysteries of the Universe. I call him feckless because he frequently is victimized by others more cold-hearted. As a graduate student at the University of New Mexico in Anthropology and Archaeology, he bested three professors by uncovering pots outside the prescribed dig, and for his intuition, was expelled. He is considered a "pot thief" because of a Federal law (with which he disagrees) barring digging on public land. Also, he tends to fall into situations where he is framed for murder. Through it all, Hubie remains the proverbial good guy and dedicated friend.
Review: THE POT THIEF WHO STUDIED EINSTEIN
Perennial favorite artisan, shopkeeper, and pottery digger Hubert Schuze of Albuquerque returns. He's expanded his shop space, is hoping to sell his replicas of ancient pots, and is stuck reading a book on Einstein (the science, not the biography). When asked to appraise the pottery collection amassed by a reclusive collector, Hubie is eager, even if it includes being chauffeured blindfolded. What he couldn't have planned for, nor imagined, is finding the collection contains some of his replicas, the fee disappears, and he is framed for not one, but two murders, then targeted for his own death.
By J. Michael Orenduff
I really enjoy this series. There's humor, spirit, mystery, and great ongoing characters. I also learn a lot about New Mexico history, ancient potters and tribes, archaeology and anthropology, academe, and an entertained throughout.
Review: THE POT THIEF WHO STUDIED PYTHAGORAS
Forty-something Hubert Schuze is a finder and purveyor of pots. Some consider him a "pot thief" for his ability to locate and excavate ancient pots on public lands (usually National Parks, in his home state, New Mexico). Hubert own an adobe building in Albuquerque' s historic Old Town, which includes his shop, workshop, and living quarters. In this first of the series, he becomes inextricably entangled with murder and conspiracy to museum theft. Together with best friend Susannah, a twenty-eight year old permanent university student and waitress, he cleverly moves events to an unexpected and enlightening denouement. Along the way are intrigue, suspense, excitement, and a strong exposure to classical Greek philosopher.
Review: THE POT THIEF WHO STUDIED PTOLEMY
THE POT THIEF Series by J. Michael Orenduff is delightful: warm-hearted, full-characterized, humorous mystery--mystery with heart. Protagonist Hubert Schuze (pronounced "shoes") is The Feckless Hero indeed--but he's a sweet guy with a heart of integrity, and a spiritual nature exemplified in his connection to ancient potters, and to the mysteries of the Universe. I call him feckless because he frequently is victimized by others more cold-hearted. As a graduate student at the University of New Mexico in Anthropology and Archaeology, he bested three professors by uncovering pots outside the prescribed dig, and for his intuition, was expelled. He is considered a "pot thief" because of a Federal law (with which he disagrees) barring digging on public land. Also, he tends to fall into situations where he is framed for murder. Through it all, Hubie remains the proverbial good guy and dedicated friend.
Review: THE POT THIEF WHO STUDIED EINSTEIN
Perennial favorite artisan, shopkeeper, and pottery digger Hubert Schuze of Albuquerque returns. He's expanded his shop space, is hoping to sell his replicas of ancient pots, and is stuck reading a book on Einstein (the science, not the biography). When asked to appraise the pottery collection amassed by a reclusive collector, Hubie is eager, even if it includes being chauffeured blindfolded. What he couldn't have planned for, nor imagined, is finding the collection contains some of his replicas, the fee disappears, and he is framed for not one, but two murders, then targeted for his own death.
January 4, 2020
Fun read set in Albuquerque with lots of Mexican food eaten and described along with some strange gringo concoctions.
December 14, 2017
Take one large helping of anthropology, add two generous dashes each of mathematics, New Mexico atmosphere and cuisine and voila! you will have the beginnings of a Pot Thief Mystery. Hubert Schuze and his sidekick Susannah Inchaustigui keep themselves busy with the dark side of academia and Indian ceramics and find themselves skating very close to the edge of both the law and political correctness the whole time. The first three volumes of this series keep me entertained for several days!
August 31, 2017
Title: The Pot Thief Mysteries Volume One
Author: J. Michael Orenduff
Publisher: Open Road Integrated Media
Published: 5-15-2017
Pages: 983
Genre: Mystery & Thriller
Sub-Genre: Suspense, Humor & Satire, Crafts & Hobbies, Fiction, Cozy Mystery.
ISBN: 9781504045537
ASIN: B072542KKF
Reviewed For NetGalley and Open Road Integrated Media
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 4.5 Stars
A dealer in ancient Native American pottery, Hubert Schuze has spent years searching the public lands of New Mexico for artwork that would otherwise remain buried. According to the US government, he’s a thief, but Hubie knows the real crime would be to allow age-old traditions to die. He honors prehistoric craftspeople by resurrecting their handiwork, and nothing—not even foul play—will stop him in these three installments of the Lefty Award–winning mystery series.
The Pot Thief Who Studied Pythagoras: Hubie accepts a $25,000 offer to lift a rare pot from a local museum but changes his mind when he discovers how tightly the exhibit is being guarded. When the pot goes missing anyway, Hubie’s sent on the hunt for the real thief—and on the run from a killer.
The Pot Thief Who Studied Ptolemy: Hubie goes on a mission to recover stolen relics from a high-rise apartment building. Unfortunately, his perfect plan falls apart when he’s arrested for murder. That’s what happens when you get caught with blood on your hands and a dead body in the room. Now, Hubie must stay one step ahead of the law as he pursues a beautiful mystery woman in this fast-paced thriller that “hook[s] the reader from the get-go” (Albuquerque Journal).
The Pot Thief Who Studied Einstein: After Hubie appraises a collection of Anasazi pots for an eccentric, reclusive collector, his $2,500 payment disappears. He suspects the man ripped him off, but soon stumbles into a bigger crime when the collector is murdered. Determined not to end up in handcuffs, Hubie sets out to solve the mystery—and finds himself pulled deeper and deeper into the dead man’s shadowy, dangerous life.
Hubie, is a bit of a person of questionable background. He has a code of ethics that although he sometimes skims the illegal. He will garner your interest and pull you into the stories and keep you riveted to the stories from first to last.
My rating of "The Pot Thief Mysteries Volume One" is 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072542KKF/...
B&N Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-...
Books-A-Million Link: http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Pot-Th...
Google Play Link: https://play.google.com/store/books/d...
Indigo Link: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/...
Kobo Link: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-...
GoodReads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
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Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/DelAnne531/status...
Author: J. Michael Orenduff
Publisher: Open Road Integrated Media
Published: 5-15-2017
Pages: 983
Genre: Mystery & Thriller
Sub-Genre: Suspense, Humor & Satire, Crafts & Hobbies, Fiction, Cozy Mystery.
ISBN: 9781504045537
ASIN: B072542KKF
Reviewed For NetGalley and Open Road Integrated Media
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 4.5 Stars
A dealer in ancient Native American pottery, Hubert Schuze has spent years searching the public lands of New Mexico for artwork that would otherwise remain buried. According to the US government, he’s a thief, but Hubie knows the real crime would be to allow age-old traditions to die. He honors prehistoric craftspeople by resurrecting their handiwork, and nothing—not even foul play—will stop him in these three installments of the Lefty Award–winning mystery series.
The Pot Thief Who Studied Pythagoras: Hubie accepts a $25,000 offer to lift a rare pot from a local museum but changes his mind when he discovers how tightly the exhibit is being guarded. When the pot goes missing anyway, Hubie’s sent on the hunt for the real thief—and on the run from a killer.
The Pot Thief Who Studied Ptolemy: Hubie goes on a mission to recover stolen relics from a high-rise apartment building. Unfortunately, his perfect plan falls apart when he’s arrested for murder. That’s what happens when you get caught with blood on your hands and a dead body in the room. Now, Hubie must stay one step ahead of the law as he pursues a beautiful mystery woman in this fast-paced thriller that “hook[s] the reader from the get-go” (Albuquerque Journal).
The Pot Thief Who Studied Einstein: After Hubie appraises a collection of Anasazi pots for an eccentric, reclusive collector, his $2,500 payment disappears. He suspects the man ripped him off, but soon stumbles into a bigger crime when the collector is murdered. Determined not to end up in handcuffs, Hubie sets out to solve the mystery—and finds himself pulled deeper and deeper into the dead man’s shadowy, dangerous life.
Hubie, is a bit of a person of questionable background. He has a code of ethics that although he sometimes skims the illegal. He will garner your interest and pull you into the stories and keep you riveted to the stories from first to last.
My rating of "The Pot Thief Mysteries Volume One" is 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Amazon Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072542KKF/...
B&N Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-...
Books-A-Million Link: http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Pot-Th...
Google Play Link: https://play.google.com/store/books/d...
Indigo Link: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/...
Kobo Link: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-...
GoodReads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
The Reading Room Link: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.ph...
Twitter Link: https://twitter.com/DelAnne531/status...
May 4, 2017
Hubert Schuze, the protagonist of this series, makes pots that are replicas of those ancient, well crafted pots, created by the long ago Indian tribes living in New Mexico.
He is also a pot thief – or is he? For he has a profound respect for those ancient potters whose designs and creativity have become an art collector’s dream – many of these pots are worth tens of thousands of dollars – should he sell these priceless pots? Keep them? Or do they belong to civilization that created them and should be returned to their sites?
Incredibly witty, rich with intrigue, a dash of romance, and terrific dialogue that helps carry the plot, often between Hube and his friend, a younger woman he meets nightly for margaritas and salsa, the Pot Thief series is a not to be missed treat, and a cousin of Lawrence Block’s burglar series and Bernie Rodenbarr.
This is an outstanding series and one no one should miss!
He is also a pot thief – or is he? For he has a profound respect for those ancient potters whose designs and creativity have become an art collector’s dream – many of these pots are worth tens of thousands of dollars – should he sell these priceless pots? Keep them? Or do they belong to civilization that created them and should be returned to their sites?
Incredibly witty, rich with intrigue, a dash of romance, and terrific dialogue that helps carry the plot, often between Hube and his friend, a younger woman he meets nightly for margaritas and salsa, the Pot Thief series is a not to be missed treat, and a cousin of Lawrence Block’s burglar series and Bernie Rodenbarr.
This is an outstanding series and one no one should miss!
September 4, 2019
These books are dense with data. They are sometimes hard to follow, and with so much information, it can be hard for the reader to figure out the mystery, However, the protagonist, Hubert, is quirky and fun. His best friend, Suzanna, is also interesting. The characters' voices are unique and easily recognized. The stories keep you interested and curious about finding out the truth. These are engaging stories with a unique premise and wonderful descriptions of Albuquerque.
July 30, 2017
Too bad I don't get credit for 3 books. This is an interesting series. I like it for the sense of place...Albuquerque and New Mexico. The cultural sense, etc. But I also like it for the intelligence of the author. Yes, the stories are fun, but the philosophical wisdom is even better. Somehow, as the reader, you get the sense that Hubie is a really great guy, but so is J. Michael Orenduff.
June 23, 2017
Second time through.
I really enjoy these takeoffs of another favorite-Lawrence Block's Burglar Who...series. Easy reading, interesting, enjoyable characters. Makes me think I'd like to know the author.
I really enjoy these takeoffs of another favorite-Lawrence Block's Burglar Who...series. Easy reading, interesting, enjoyable characters. Makes me think I'd like to know the author.
June 27, 2017
I just completed all 3 books in this wonderful, 5 star, mystery series. Individual reviews are under the particular story.
July 6, 2017
Enjoyable light reading, likable characters and setting.
January 26, 2018
Great mystery series set in New Mexico.
April 25, 2022
Light entertainment.
Want to read
May 23, 2022OpenRoadMedia discount 299
October 12, 2025
Review
Another good entry into this quixotic and humorous series. We continue to learn a great deal about New Mexico and Native American pottery, both historic and contemporary.
July 26, 2020
I quit partway through the first book of the set. Characters came across as bizarre and not believable. I felt the beginnings of the plot to that point appeared to be nonsensical and the writing style disjointed
Currently reading
August 3, 2017id not like the plot at all. Did not finish and deleted it from my reading device
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews